6 Republicans Want To Be Sheriff

CAMPAIGN 2004

Daniels Touts Experience In Department

August 22, 2004|By Monica Scott, Sentinel Staff Writer

When Lake County Sheriff's Maj. Chris Daniels talks to people about his sheriff's campaign, he delivers his message with the confidence and clarity of someone with more than 23 years of Lake law-enforcement experience.

Daniels doesn't rely on snappy slogans or bold promises but rather talks to voters about the leadership skills, experience and education he thinks make him the best choice for the county's future.

"I think past performance is one of the best indicators of future performance," Daniels said. "I have a broad base of knowledge that enables me to critically think about the outcomes and consequences of everything we do. The biggest challenge before the county is reorganizing the agency to most effectively utilize its people and meet growth demands."

Daniels, 44, said he would assign additional or different responsibilities to deputies in parts of the county.

"The population has grown and changed, and we need to be more in tune with the different areas," he said.

The Sheriff's Office has been planning for growth, but opponents have criticized the number of patrol deputies -- 108 -- in rotation on the streets. Daniels said he'd like more patrol deputies for the growing county, but the department has steadily added more, and he said residents are protected.

The current head of the department, Sheriff Fred Cobb, said he has filled 10 patrol vacancies since being appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush in March, and funding for another four is already secured. Cobb took over when former Sheriff George Knupp Jr. resigned this year. Cobb is sheriff until one is elected and takes office Jan. 3.

Daniels, who oversees the administrative-support division of about 160 employees, said the sheriff must have strong management and interpersonal skills to work with 600 employees and manage a budget of more than $400 million. He said the sheriff also has to be a diplomat and negotiator, for example when working with the county manager on the budget.

"My vision is to take the professional, well-trained staff we have and continue to elevate our service and professionalism," Daniels said. "I want us to be on the cutting edge of law enforcement, looking at new technology and new ways of doing things."

For the past 15 years, Daniels said, he has watched and learned what works and what does not as he has climbed the ranks in the Sheriff's Office.

He said he has seen the job from practically every perspective: as a military policeman, a member of the Tavares and Eustis police forces, and with the Sheriff's Office.

Daniels also touts the fact that he was appointed twice as interim police chief in Tavares and Minneola as an example of his leadership ability.

He is also proud of being invited to attend three intense months of training at the FBI academy in Quantico, Va.

Some critics question his longtime affiliation with Knupp. They are skeptical that upper management such as Daniels was not aware that some discarded sheriff vehicles ended up back in the hands of employees, their relatives and friends.

Opponents say Daniels is part of the old regime's embedded leadership and philosophy that must be removed to allow change. But Daniels says he won't be guilty by association. He says Knupp's mistakes are not a reflection on him or other staffers. He was not among the sheriff majors who received cars or the employees questioned by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in connection with the case.

"My candidacy is about me and my leadership, experience, education and vision for the county's future," he said.

"I'm ready to lead."

Daniels has racked up more cash than any other candidate so far, $94,414, to get his message out beyond the forums, meet-and-greets and community events. That is an indicator of community support, he said.